Kogi equips 1,050 hunters with safety gadgets, plans insurance

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has equipped the newly recruited 1,050 hunters in the state with gadgets and security materials to improve the effectiveness of policing in communities.

Ododo, who supervised the distribution of the gadgets on Thursday in Lokoja, charged the hunters to deal decisively with the criminals and ensure the protection of lives and properties across the state.

“We are all Kogi, we need to protect ourselves. Kogi is not a free trade zone for criminals; you have the support of the government to protect the land and when you see them, deal with them firmly.

“We are not new to this game, criminals must be wiped out from our land. We are good people and God knows why he created us as a people, Kogi state is blessed with abundant mineral deposits, if you want to trade with us, we are ready to trade with you.

“However, if you come with criminal intentions, we are ready to catch you and deal with you decisively,” Ododo warned.
The governor stated that the security of lives and property remains his paramount responsibility to the people of Kogi,” Ododo said.

He emphasised the state’s determination to develop a grassroots approach to security and engage hunters, saying this was bolstered by their courageous and professional conduct during the rescue operations that led to the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped students from CUSTECH.

“Our belief in a people-first approach to security as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture,” he said.

He commended the Kogi National Assembly for the quick decision to employ 1,050 hunters to complement the traditional security agencies.

“We are at an advanced stage to insure the lives of hunters. We are also distributing safety gadgets and materials such as level 4 bulletproof vests to ward off bullet attacks, as well as boots to help them move through the forest without getting hurt, and other materials.

“In the fight against terrorism, we must acknowledge that the battlefields have changed and technology has evolved.

“We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be one step ahead of the enemies of peace,” he said.

The Governor urged the hunters to demonstrate the highest level of responsibility and discipline in the discharge of their duties, expressing confidence in their abilities, discipline, patriotism and professionalism.

Ododo said his administration is committed to combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure safety.

“We create an environment that creates jobs for our teeming youth. We make education free to ensure that every child receives an education.

“However, we will pursue criminal elements with our wall of strength. We will win,” he added.

He called on hunters to cooperate effectively with security agencies, free from any competition.

Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for enabling states to implement local solutions to curb the activities of criminals and commended the National Security Adviser for his continued support in efforts to ensure the safety of all in Kogi.

He commended the heads of security agencies for adequately training the recruited hunters on the rules of combat, adding that the cooperation was the driving force behind the success of the security forces in Kogi.

In his speech, the Kogi Police Commissioner, Bertrand Onuoha, commended the governor for his foresight in protecting the lives and property of the people of the state.

“We all know the topography of Kogi State which creates security challenges. Everything we see here is in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police for community policing.

“If all these security agencies are set up without synergy, not much will be achieved. I am using this medium to call for the integration of all security agencies in the state.

“I have instructed district commanders to always use rangers and hunters. When we harmonize, our services will be more interesting,” he said.

Earlier, the country’s security adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omdara, noted that the hunters had been subjected to intensive training and coaching to help them in the task ahead.

(NAN)